Cement Mortars Lightened with Rigid Polyurethane Foam Waste Applied On-Site: Suitability and Durability

摘要

The durability of using cement mortars lightened with rigid polyurethane foam waste is analysed, adding to previous research on their characterization, preparation, and manufacture carried out by the Construction Materials Research Group, University of Burgos. For this work a storage hut was built. The mortars used two types of cement: CEM II and IV; the sand was partially substituted by shredded rigid polyurethane foam waste (PFW), with substitutions by volume of sand of 50% and 75%, in accordance with the use and application of the mortar. Suitability tests were performed, after 28 days had elapsed, in relation to adhesion and, after 3 months, in relation to hardness. Once the investigation was finished, it was concluded that the mortars made with aggregates of rigid polyurethane foam waste easily mixed and placed on-site. At 28 days from application of the mortars, a tile coating was executed on one wall and on the floor. Adherence tests and surface hardness test were performed on the "in situ" rendering. Four years later new tests sustain that the adherence and the surface hardness of the mortars applied on-site was similar to laboratory levels and is sufficient for the application of these commonly used mortars.